History & Heritage
“The Lavender Bee's Knees is a modern variation of the classic Bee's Knees, which dates back to the Prohibition era. The addition of lavender is a 21st-century innovation, reflecting the craft cocktail movement's interest in fresh, floral, and herbal ingredients. It takes the original's simple charm and transforms it into a more complex and fragrant experience.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Combine the gin, lemon juice, and lavender honey syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice.
Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until well-chilled.
Double-strain into a chilled coupe or Nick and Nora glass.
Garnish with a fresh lavender sprig and a lemon twist.
Glassware
Served in a chilled coupe or Nick and Nora glass
Garnish
Lavender sprig and lemon twist
A fresh lavender sprig and an expressed lemon twist
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
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Sour
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Bitter
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Strong
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Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Use a botanical or floral gin to complement the lavender.
When making the lavender honey syrup, be careful not to over-infuse the lavender, which can result in a soapy or bitter taste.
A vigorous shake and double-straining are key to achieving a smooth, silky texture.
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Lavender Bee's Knees.
Lavender French 75
A sparkling variation that tops the base of gin, lemon, and lavender syrup with champagne or prosecco.
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Bee's Knees
Prohibition-era gin, lemon, and honey shaken into a bright, velvety sour whose sweetness once softened rough bathtub gin.
Army & Navy
A refined gin sour sweetened with almond orgeat and seasoned with Angostura—silky, citrusy, and gently spiced.
Aviation
Hugo Ensslin's sky-hued gin sour of gin, maraschino and crème de violette—lost for decades until the cocktail renaissance brought it soaring back.